Foundations of World History: Ancient Mesopotamia

Celebrated for numerous developments in the areas of law, writing, religion, and mathematics, Mesopotamia has been immortalized as the cradle of civilization. Its fabled cities, including Babylon and Nineveh, spawned new cultures, traditions, and innovations in art and architecture, some of which can still be seen in present-day Iraq, Iran, Syria, and Turkey.

Living in ancient Mesopotamia could sometimes be harsh and dangerous, yet it could also be comfortable and fulfilling because the early inhabitants invented cities, writing, and other key elements of civilized life. Farming, trade, the home, education, women's roles, religious beliefs, technology and transportation are some of the topics discussed in this social history.

Covering the lives of Assyrians, Babylonians, and Sumerians from around 3500 to 500 B.C.E., the book is arranged topically, with chapters on geography, archaeology, government, religion, language and literature, arts, and daily life, among other subjects. Each chapter has citations to the extensive bibliography. Appendixes include a chronological table and a list of museums with major Mesopotamian collections.

Focuses on two ideal periods set in about 3500 BC (Sumer) and 1000 to 500 BC (Assyria and Babylonia). This book examines several aspects of daily life across various strata of society, from the kings and priests to the slaves; from food to religious beliefs.